Photographer's Note

Because Paraguay is a landlocked country, locals go to lakes for holidays, being Ypacarai one of the most beautiful bacause of the very blue waters and being close to Asunción, 34 km (21 mi)
The landscape has hills covered with forests, on the right are the instalations of a Yatch Club, at the back , on the horizon , a kind of mist produced by roads or red earth
At the shores are the villages of San Bernardino, Ypacarai and Aregua ( little ones) where people has Summer houses

Surface: 144,8 km²
Average depth: 3,05 m
Long: 24 km
Wide: 6

The Photo
I arrived there on a day of a week in June ( Winter here), so no people at all, no ships ofering a cruise
I wanted to take a boat trip ( the way to see houses and landscapes in a relaxed way), asked and finally obtained paying 8 dollars a personal mine-cruise (in a big ship wth place for30 persons or more) during 40 minutes, I felt like been the owner of the lake
Is known worldwide thanks to the guarania " Memories of Ypacarai” or ”Remembering Ipacarai “, written by Demetrio Ortiz

The YT version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zONGS64so6g
The Lyrics of the song

A warm night we met
Next to Blue Lake Ypacara
Your sad sang along the way
Old melodies Guarani
And the spell of your songs
was going we renasciendo your love on me
And the beautiful full moon night
Of your white hand felt the warmth
That with his touch gave me love
Where are you now, cuñataí
May your soft song does not come to me
Where is he now
My soul adores frantically
Everything reminds you my sweet love
Next to Blue Lake Ypacara
Everything reminds you
My love called cuñataí

Hi Maria,a peaceful place to hear the beautiful words in your note,i like the large view of this lake,remember me a bit the lakes of Lombardy,an excellent capture with the usual great details and natural colors! I wish you all the best for these happy days and thanks,Luciano

Hello Maria,
I like the inclusion of the little tree growing on the edge of the lake,it helps to keep the picture nicely balanced,with the waters edge curving into the scene it appears to be a very tranquil location.
Kindest wishes Les.

Nice soothing lake view you show here today. The lake is so huge it looks like a sea, specially the POV from which you have taken this photo. I cannot find anything on the horizon!
The settings and atmosphere are perfect for the song you mentioned in your note. The grassy banks contrasts the blue sky nicely. Great photograph with natural colors and light. Thanks for sharing.
Regards,
Subho

Hola maria,
A fine blue and green combined with the lake scenery, a calm ambiance well rendered.
Clarity and DOF well managed, in winter really not many people along its banks - just can imagine the place on summer's.
Buen fin de semana,
Ike

Hi Maria,
There is a great sense here of what you describe in your note, the whole lake belonged to you, this is your own private kingdom. A beautiful scene, and that blue sky reminds me of warm, long pleasant summer days. I know its winter here in this scene, but its probably still warmer than an Irish summer :)

I love the sweeping arc of the lakeside into the scene and the tree growing from the water.
Thanks as always
Noel

Hello Maria,
Winter in Paraguay looks a lot like summer in northern Europe and the temperature was probably similar. This looks like a quite nice place for vacations with a small beach, lots of trees and large lawns. The colours are very pleasant. I didn't know there were such relatively large lakes in Paraguay. Is this a natural lake or created by the Yacuretá dam?
Kind regards,
Gert

Hi Maria
This is the resulting image which I think still make a good photo taken in the harsh noon sunlight with hard shadows. Love the way you've composed, this with a great foreground. Well done.
Best regards

namaste,
a nice one indeed. Simple framing but pleasant to view. Good depth and natural colour tone. A very well composed view of the lake and trees aside. (is there a bit tilt at right?) Overall a nice one. Tfs.
S

Hello Maria,
What a peaceful place! The huge lake and the clear sky and a tree in the fg... excellent composition. And colors are so soothing. I would love to spend a few hours there, quietly .
Tfs this wonderful shot.

Hola Maria,
a really tranquil and pleasnt place to enjoy someone the beauty of the Nature as the calmness of his soul.Nice the view as the presentation with the light and colour management to are captured superb.

Even in the winter the light looks warm and inviting. Since it is relatively close to the equater, I assume it is not as cold. Same as Laos, a landlock country, we go to the Mekong River for fun. though lot of the time, it can be flooded or too strong of the current. Here the lake looks calm and peaceful. The water level seems high with the root of the tree submerged in water. Love the wide open space that is give the feeling of openess, especially coming from the city.

Very unusual to see a tree growing out of the water and I know it is not a mangrove tree! It frames the lake superbly and adds to the composition. Good sharpness and the sweeping curve of the lakeside bay and small beach nicely leads the eye right around the image. Well composed with the horizon well away from the center. Tfs!

Hola Maria,
Happy New Year!
The lake seems quite big. I can hardly spot the other side of it. Lovely natural colors. You have great winters on the other side, from the photo it feels more like a summer here in England.
Very well done!
M

Hi Maria, A wonderful lyrics along with this beautiful paradise. Splendid POV and awesome composition. I like the colours and its natural look. The small beach on the right corner add sweet to the beauty in the composition. Thank for sharing and wish you all the best in 2014
Anna